Coping and Occupational Participation in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Abstract

Existing studies have shown that individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome demonstrate functional impairment in several domains related to occupational participation. Researchers have not yet explored whether coping styles may be associated with occupational participation in individuals with this condition. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of coping styles on occupational participation among adults with chronic fatigue syndrome. The authors hypothesized that occupational participation would be associated with coping strategies oriented toward information seeking and maintaining activity, and that this relationship would endure despite individual differences in illness severity. The study used a cross-sectional design to describe the associations between coping and occupational participation for 47 individuals diagnosed as having chronic fatigue syndrome. Findings from linear regression analysis revealed that the coping style of maintaining activity was positively associated with occupational participation, whereas illness accommodation was negatively associated. Implications of the findings for continued research and clinical practice in occupational therapy are discussed.